Comments on: RWC opening weekend: the good, the bad & the bizarre

By: R120

R120 — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:55:25 +0000

Georgia have (literally and figuratively ) huge potential – they have proper state backing and a great talent base – The IRB needs to think about how teams like Georgia can play more competitive games against Tier 1 nations – i am no advocate for promotion and relegation from the six nations, and a European championship every 4 years would probably be too much for the rugby calendar to take, but something needs to be done

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:33:28 +0000

Been a very good World Cup, blown open by Japan who have made everyone believe that anything is possible.

Would agree on most of the points mentioned. Would even suggest that Georgia will be targeting their next game against Argentina hard, as if they win that they’ll all but be in the Quarter-finals, given New Zealand will beat everyone and everyone (should) beat Namibia.

Don’t think many people had Georgia and Japan down as potential quarter-finalists, but both are definitely in the running.

By: Pablito

Pablito — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:14:58 +0000

One of the great things s0o far has been the crowds. Not only have the stadiums looked full, even for games like Georgia vs Tonga, but the crowds really look like they are getting involved.

I was only watching on TV but the noise at that game, the Japan SA one and Arg NZ sounded like the whole of the crowd were really getting into it, not just a core of supporters from one side or another

By: Jacob

Jacob — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:31:27 +0000

Completely agree with this. My other issue is with referees giving tries, and then taking them back.

I was at Twickenham for France vs Italy and there was one try that was given, then taken back, then given. Then as Michelak was about to take his conversion, he was quickly stopped by the ref and it was disallowed again.

For me, once the ref has given the try, the TMO should stay out of it.

Equally, how the ref could have given the Matawalu try when he was so far away, knowing he was being tackled my two men whilst stretching for the line is beyond me. That should have gone straight to the TMO, looked at one, no try, simple.

By: Leon

Leon — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:29:06 +0000

They need to cut down the amount of times it was used to assess foul play as well but you are spot on about the amount of times each replay is shown. Ref should butt in and say i think i’ve seen enough

By: Blub

Blub — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:23:16 +0000

I don’t have a particular issue with the use of replays. At the end of the day, it avoided a big mistake by disallowing what looked like good tries, in three of the games.

My issue is the amount of times we have to watch the same replay. I was at Twickenham on Friday evening and the disallowed try was played over and over and over, with every angle showing the same – obvious – result. No try – move on!

By: Mr B

Mr B — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:32:26 +0000

Swing Low Sweet Chariot reverberating around Brighton was equally as puzzling.

By: Fearless Fred

Fearless Fred — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 11:53:49 +0000

For Bizarre, I’d add hearing La Marseilles ringing round Wembley during the AB v Arg game yesterday! The Argentina fans certainly know how to provide an atmosphere for a game.

As for Hansen’s complaining about the crowd boo-ing McCaw, he needs to be more relaxed. McCaw’s trip was truly cynical.

By: dingdongdenny

dingdongdenny — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 11:45:55 +0000

This needs to be said again –

Very sad day! – a black day even!! – to see such an illustrious player as Richard McRaw treated so badly. I’m disgusted – never has he put a foot wrong – never has he crossed the line and now this – a black mark on his otherwise immaculate career. He even said Wayne Barnes was ” a top bloke” during the week – then to be stabbed in the back by him!! Some bastard that WB. Liked the way the crowed booed at Barnes every time Richard’s face was shown – hopefully that will make him think twice the next time!

DDD

“Pacific not Aran!”